Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has criticized New York City's failure to address an "open air drug market" crisis at The Hub in the South Bronx, where drug use and trafficking are rampant. In a letter to Mayor Eric Adams, Torres stated the city has become a "bystander" to the lawlessness, with addicts injecting opioids publicly, creating a "climate of lawlessness and disorder." The Department of Transportation has reportedly lost control of Roberto Clemente Plaza. The Adams administration acknowledges the issue and has implemented a "Community Link" model, but Torres argues it's insufficient. Business leaders had previously raised concerns in 2021.
Dem rep calls out NYC's ongoing failure to tackle Bronx 'open air drug market' crisis
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has criticized New York City's failure to address an "open air drug market" crisis at The Hub in the South Bronx, where drug use and trafficking are rampant. In a letter to Mayor Eric Adams, Torres stated the city has become a "bystander" to the lawlessness, with addicts injecting opioids publicly, creating a "climate of lawlessness and disorder." The Department of Transportation has reportedly lost control of Roberto Clemente Plaza. The Adams administration acknowledges the issue and has implemented a "Community Link" model, but Torres argues it's insufficient. Business leaders had previously raised concerns in 2021.
Trending- 1 2021: Business leaders sent a letter to then-Mayor Bill de Blasio regarding rising crime.
- 2 At least the past year: Rep. Torres has been trying to raise awareness of the issue.
- 3 Wednesday (July 9, 2025): Rep. Torres sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams.
- Creation of an "open air drug market"
- Rampant public drug use and trafficking
- Increased lawlessness and disorder
- Negative impact on quality of life and public safety in the South Bronx
- Criticism of city administration's response
What: Rep. Ritchie Torres criticized New York City's ongoing failure to effectively address an "open air drug market" and associated public health and safety crisis in The Hub business district of the South Bronx.
When: Wednesday (July 9, 2025) for Torres's letter. Crisis has been ongoing for at least the past year. Business leaders raised concerns in 2021.
Where: The Hub business district, South Bronx, New York City, specifically Roberto Clemente Plaza.
Why: To address the severe public health and safety crisis caused by rampant drug use, drug trafficking, and associated lawlessness in a major Bronx business district.
How: Rep. Ritchie Torres sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams, publicly calling out the city's inaction and demanding a renewed "whole-of-government commitment" to reclaim the area. The city has implemented a "Community Link" model, but its effectiveness is questioned.